The Cycle of Life in Ndutu

From January to March, the herds of the Great Migration gather in the Ndutu region in the southern Serengeti. The most stunning locations in northern Tanzania at this time of year.

The migration : birthing season

from 3100 $US

January to March

7 days

From age 5

Plan your trip

The migration : birthing season

January to March

7 days

From age 5

from 3100 $US

Plan your trip

Overview

This trip allows you to discover the most beautiful places in northern Tanzania, particularly suitable for observing the Great Migration and the births at this time of year. You will explore Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, but will especially enjoy the Ndutu region, which is undoubtedly the ideal place to observe this unique natural phenomenon.

January to March

7 days

From age 5

A breathtaking moment

From January to March, over 1.3 million wildebeest and over 600,000 zebras gather in the Ndutu region for the calving season. The environment is lush and green thanks to the abundant seasonal rains that nourish the area.

Predators, such as big cats, are also present, making this period a spectacular time to watch.

Travel Details

Your highlights

The Cycle of Life

The view of herds completely covering the plains of Ndutu Ndutu with their young is unique in the world.

Cheetahs

The Ndutu is highly sought after by cheetahs. Keep your eyes peeled as you'll have a good chance of spotting them.

TWO ACCOMMODATIONS

We offer an itinerary with only two accommodations for more comfort and less time on the road.

AT YOUR OWN PACE

Your trip is private and you are free to organise your days at your own pace. Each evening, you will check in with your guide towards the next day's journey.

Itinerary
details

Browse through our tour and contact us to tailor it to your travel needs.

Day 1: Arusha – Lake Manyara

Airport greeting upon arrival of your flight by your arrival, you will be met by your English-speaking guide.Climb aboard your private 4×4 vehicle which will be yours for the entire stay. Drive 4x4 private vehicle that will be yours for the entire stay. Drive directly to the shores of Lake Manyara and feel, from the very first day, in the heart of Tanzania facing the Rift Valley. Settle into your charming lodge in the middle of the bush for 2 nights.

Oremiti Lodge
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 2: Manyara Safari Park

Full-day 4x4 safari in the Lake Manyara National Park Just 15 minutes from Oremiti Lodge. Picnic lunch inside the park. Picnic at noon inside the park. Will you be lucky enough to spot lions in the trees?

Oremiti Lodge
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Departure in the morning for the Ngorongoro crater A true Garden of Eden and a 4x4 safari day with a picnic lunch in the crater at midday. You might be lucky enough to spot the Big 5.

The crater is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It contains fresh and saltwater, savannah, and forest, and registers about 100 animals per km². Then drive to the Ndutu region.

Tented camp
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 4: Migration safari in Ndutu

The day will be dedicated to the safari and observation of the Great Migration in the Ndutu region. Each year this migratory phenomenon concerns 3 animal species that move in infinite herds: more than 1.3 million wildebeest, 600,000 zebras and 400,000 gazelles follow, throughout the year, a circular migration in permanent search of new pastures.

The birthing period extends from the end of December to mid-March, the wildebeest remaining in the Ndutu region and in the grassy plains of Salei, south of the Serengeti, in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Note the significant presence of predators, such as lions, cheetahs and hyenas. The best place to observe the migration during this period is undoubtedly the Ndutu region.

Tented camp
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 5: Migration safari in Ndutu

Second full day of 4x4 safari in the region of Ndutu dedicated to observing the Great Migration.

Tented camp
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 6: Ndutu to Lake Manyara

Last morning in the Ndutu region and drive to the shores of Lake Manyara.

Oremiti Lodge
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 7: Arusha or Zanzibar

Leave the lodge in the morning for Arusha town or Kilimanjaro airport. It is possible to continue this trip with an internal flight to the island of Zanzibar.

Private 4x4 vehicle

Our added value:
A tailor-made experience

An extra day? This itinerary can be modified according to your wishes, your availability and your budget. Our travel designers are on hand to help you build the safari of your dreams.

Plan your trip

Their experience

The trip fulfilled our wishes : a 10-day safari in the great parks of northern Tanzania: Arusha, Manyara Tarangire / Ngorongoro / South Serengeti - Ndutu . We witnessed incredible scenes of animal life, the great migration of animals, newborns throughout the safari and very moving human encounters. Our accommodations were peaceful, particularly the canvas camps within the parks, offering a fabulous and very comfortable atmosphere. We appreciated the agency's professionalism and quality, its constant respect for the environment, and its commitment to helping local populations while respecting their customs. Perfect! Unforgettable! To do again!

Jacqueline

See all reviews

More information

Oremiti Lodge

Oremiti Lodge

Oremiti Lodge is a charming retreat on the shores of Lake Manyara. The lush vegetation, the diversity of birds and butterflies, the sunset and the view of the Rift Valley from the swimming pool are simply unforgettable!

Room for up to 6 people
Pool facing the Rift Valley
Several dining areas
Lodge on a more intimate scale
View of Lake Manyara

Check on TripAdvisor Watch the video

Tented camp in Ndutu

Tented camp in Ndutu

The great plains of Ndutu welcome you in superb canvas tents, furnished for your utmost comfort: large sleeping area (family tent for up to 5 people), shower room and toilets. You will have an aperitif while admiring the sunset and will follow an incredible dinner in such a remote place.

The comfort of a hotel at the heart of wilderness
A camp on a human scale
Inside the park
Lodge on a more intimate scale
Tented restaurant
Family rooms

Budget

The price of a safari in Tanzania depends on the number of participants, since certain costs, such as the vehicle, are shared. The season is also important, and there is a significant difference in price between high and low season. We invoice in US Dollars, so please be aware of the conversion rate.
The season is also important, and there is a significant difference in price between high and low season.
We invoice in US Dollars, so please be aware of the conversion rate.

This trip starts at US$3,100 per person for 2 participants in a double room, in low season.

THE PRICE INCLUDES

Full service from day 1 to departure transfer
The entire safari in a private 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan vehicle equipped with radio, water cooler, fridge and sunroof, with a English-speaking guide.
Full board basis for meals
Government park entrance fees
Our assistance throughout your stay

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

Flights
Visa fees
Insurance

Main wildlife

Manyara National Park

Manyara National Park contains a hippo pool and tropical forest, with volcanic soil and a salt lake.

Look out for:

Giraffe - Zebra - Hippopotamus - Lion - Baboon - Birds including ibis, jacanas and flamingos.

Ngorongoro crater

The Ngorongoro Crater contains fresh and salt water, savannah and forest and there are around 100 animals per km2.

Look out for:

Lion - Zebra - Wildebeest - Hyena - Buffalo - Rhinoceros

Ndutu Conservation Area

The Ndutu region is not a national park but a conservation area. The Maasai live here in cohabitation with the animals.

Look out for:

Cheetahs – Lions – Wildebeest – Gazelles – Zebras

Extensions

You can choose to further extend your stay in Tanzania by flying to the Island of Zanzibar. This itinerary pairs perfectly with a few days of seaside relaxation to complete the discovery of Tanzania. Eager for a fulfilling sporty adventure? Trust our teams of experts trained by French high mountain professionals and set off to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the budget for a safari in Tanzania?

The price of a safari in Tanzania depends on a variety of factors. The number of participants, since some costs, such as the vehicle, are shared. The type of transport: 4×4, planes for certain routes, private charters, etc. And finally the type of accommodation.

The Tanzanian government controls park entrance fees. These taxes are very important in your budget. You can find the prices of these fees on the Tanapa website.

The habit of tipping is very ingrained in Tanzania and you should also take this into account in your holiday budget.

When is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?

You can travel to Tanzania all year round as long as you adapt your itinerary. Each season will reveal a different but beautiful landscape.

The dry season runs from June to October,where you cand find beauty in the dry landscapes. Evenings can be cool, especially in July and August.

The main rainy season generally extends from April to May. The main concentration of rain falls over two months.

The short rainy season, which starts in mid-October and lasts until February,rains only in the form of short showers. This is when nature is at its most beautiful and verdant.

The hottest months are from December to February..

Are safaris in Tanzania suitable for children?

You can travel to Tanzania with children, the important thing is to adapt the itinerary. Our travel designers are used to this and will be able to recommend the best itinerary according to their age. We can offer you family rooms specially designed to answer the safety questions that all parents ask themselves before taking their children on safari.

Children are generally entitled to a discount on accommodation up to the age of 12. For park taxes, the reduction is up to the age of 16. There is no tax for children aged 4 and under.

What are the most important things to remember before going on safari in Tanzania?

Formalities and Visa: For European and Canadian nationals, you need a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of return + a Tanzanian visa. The Tanzanian visa can be obtained on arrival or online at least 3 weeks before travel. The cost of a visa for Tanzania is 50 US dollars.

Health: Vaccination against yellow fever is not compulsory for entering Tanzania directly from Europe or North America. Diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A/B and typhoid vaccinations are recommended. Vaccination against rabies is also recommended.

Malaria is endemic to the country. Make sure you protect yourself against mosquito bites with repellents, mosquito nets and clothing that covers your arms and legs.
We advise you to make an appointment with your GP or a specialist for further information on this subject.

What to bring: Except for the coast and Zanzibar, it is essential to bring sweaters as the evenings and early mornings are cool. Avoid wearing black and blue on safari, as these colours attract tsetse flies.

You'll also get sunburn if you don't take precautions. Pack an anti-diarrhoeal in your first-aid kit. You should also take insect repellent and medication to combat travel sickness. And don't forget your camera, sunglasses and a pair of binoculars.

Currency and exchange: US dollars and Tanzanian shillings are the main currencies accepted. For US dollars, you will need banknotes dated after 2009.
MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are sometimes accepted in lodges, but not everywhere.

What to do and not do during a safari in Tanzania?

Dress code: On safari, shorts and short-sleeved clothing (T-shirts, blouses, etc.) are not a problem. Watch out for the sun!

On the coast and in the islands, the religion of Islam is predominant, so avoid clothing that could be perceived as an affront to the religion. Wear long sleeves and trousers. On the beaches, avoid any form of nudism or revealing clothing.

Safety: In order to adopt a few safety rules when travelling in town, we recommend that you consult your respective embassy website, under the 'Travelling abroad' tab.

Customs and traditions - Specific legislation: During Ramadan, do not eat or drink in public.
The Zanzibar authorities prohibit homosexual practices. Drugs and narcotics are severely punished. The import of plastic bags is prohibited.

Photographing and filming: When photographing people, do so sparingly and respectfully; try to put yourself in their shoes: how would you like to be photographed, how would you not like to be photographed? And always ask for consent!

You can photograph landscapes without limits! Please note, however, that it is forbidden to photograph military areas and buildings or officers in uniform. The use of drones is prohibited in Tanzania's national parks.

Tipping: Tanzania, like the rest of East Africa, is a country under Anglo-Saxon influence, and tipping has become a way of life here. We will suggest a recommended amount as a guideline only, but you should never feel obliged to give a tip.

It is customary to tip at the various accommodation establishments where you will be staying. Most lodges and camps have tip boxes at reception where you can leave US$10 per room, per night, if you are satisfied with the service. The money is then shared between the staff.

It is also customary to tip your safari team at the end of the safari. As a general rule, we recommend around US$25 per day of safari for your guide.

Electricity: 220 and 230 volts, 50 Hz. Power cuts are fairly frequent. Sockets have three plugs, two horizontal and one vertical. We advise you to bring an adaptor for your electrical devices (UK type) before you leave.
In the lodges, the electricity often stops working after 10 or 10.30pm and starts up again around 6 or 7am.

Time difference: +3h to the UK standard (GMT +4h) in winter, +2h in summer.

Languages: Swahili and English are the official languages. Swahili is of Bantu origin, originally from the coastal region, and includes many words derived from Arabic. Other African languages of Nilotic and Khoisan origin are also spoken.